SCGT1 - 2008 Legacy GT - Manchester, NH
I began my modifications with my 2009 legacy gt the same place most people do; an accessport. Started off with a Rallitek stage 1 off the shelf map, and began to lust after a turbo back and the allure of stage 2. A downpipe later, I wasn't pleased with the OTS cobb stage 2. I got some over boost codes, and the car just didn't run smooth at all. The power came on at ~3500 rpms like a switch, it would hesitate, and didn't seem consistent. I figured the obvious next step was a pro-tune, which I got from an authorized cobb pro-tuner. At this point I'll mention that I usually run 93 octane, but for the tune I ran 91 octane and requested a conservative (smooth) tune. It's a stage 2 legacy, fun, but not a race car.
Well, the pro-tune was worse than the OTS map, it felt fine for a few days, then started to be inconsistent. About this point in time I learned about how one ought to do logs from time to time to see what sort of state your engine is in. I was surprised to see I had quite a bit of knock. I emailed the tuner who pulled some timing. We went back and forth like this for a while, me taking logs, him pulling timing, until I had so little timing that I was under OTS power levels and still knocking. The tuner basically told me to stop worrying about it. I had one run where my DAM hit .1. Once more, I showed the log to the pro-tuner and was told it was a nuisance, there was no way the car could knock with that little timing.
Since I appeared to be the only one in the universe with this unique problem, and the car seemed to be mechanically sound, I decided to start asking around. Some of the guys from New England Subarus recommended Brentuning. In particular, Eric (shtbxr22) took some time to help me out and quietly said if you want a smooth, conservative tune that won't blow up your engine, go talk to Bren.
I offered to pay Bren to view my old cobb pro-tuned logs to help me diagnose the problem. He told me to send him the logs, no charge. Being the professional that he is, he wouldn't say anything bad about the previous tuner, just what he believed the problem to be. I decided to give Bren a go with a road tune based on his straight forward answer, professionalism, and of course the recommendations from others.
I'm an engineer who is just beginning to learn about modification on cars, so I will admit that I'm something of a pain in the ass. I have excellent technical ability, but not much knowledge about this stuff (yet), so I have a lot of questions. Bren answered them all. Not only that, but if he didn't know the answer, he would tell me as such, which to me is infinitely better than the normal: make up something that sounds good.
Bren (and Eric, who happened to be there working on Bren's very nice BMW) did a quick check over on the car (including a boost leak check), and we were off. He told me what he was doing every step of the way, what he was checking, how the car was responding. After all my issues with knock, I was actually pretty anxious! He got the tune pretty good, then pulled over and asked me about my goals before he continued. How long was I going to keep the car, what did I want to do with it, how much power would I like to end up with after subsequent modifications, what my driving style was, and the list goes on. Bren then continued refining the tune, taking the time he needed. He mentioned some people want him to hurry, they want a quick tune only, and that's not how he does his work.
Bren takes pride in his work, working tables over and over, smoothing them out, interpolating, making minor changes here and there, constantly refining. It's in the details and it shows. I went to Bren hoping for my car to stop knocking, and at that point I honestly couldn't care less what power output it had, because with the knock I was seeing at WOT every time... I knew it was a matter of time before I was at zero wheel horsepower on the side of the road.
Bren explained to me the difference between a dangerous tune and a safe tune is often only 10 whp or so, that there was no reason why you couldn't have it all if the tune was good. He made good on that statement, I ended up with 278 whp and 321 wtq, which was ~53 whp (and a PILE of torque) over the cobb OTS stage 2 and most importantly, no knocking. Zero. None.
I got tuned by Bren on Sept 26th and held off on posting this until I could get some good info (see learning view below, this is about 1500 or so miles after the tune). I love the car. It feels like a different car. I actually have throttle response that I can modulate, the car has so much more torque down low that it's ridiculous, it's smooth and has been since the tune, and it just plain drives better. WOT is so much faster than before that it's laughable to compare, but as I alluded to above, it's the daily driving that really made the big difference. The car is easier to drive. Bren does magic with AVCS and if you get tuned by him you'll see what I mean. There is no aspect of the engine performance and feel that has not been improved. Much respect to Bren. Highly recommended.
Subyspeed01 - Brattleboro, VT – 2007 WRX STi
I got tuned by Bren on Saturday and i was very impressed with what power gains we were able to get and how much better my car drives now. That guy is a magician with cars and i feel that everyone should get tuned by him ASAP.
He is very professional and thorough. He took the time to explain everything he was doing and why. I was verry happy with my results and i cant wait to buy more parts so i can get another tune again 
Thanks Bren!
Robbie25 – Boston, MA – 2006 BMW 325i
So I've been driving around for nearly a month now with the BrenTuning tune on my 325 and I figured I'd post an update. I am really happy with this tune, definitely money well spent! I've had the car since May 2007 and have been waiting a long time for a real tune. I passed on the PBX, just knowing something better would come along.
Second gear is just awesome now, basically right from 1k RPM. There's a nice kick when the torque peak starts at about 3k. 3k-5k the car just pulls really hard now. Huge difference. I know my car pretty well after 3 1/2 years and I know the torque increase is for real. And it isn't all loaded into the first 25% of pedal travel. 10-20% throttle position feels like stock. Once you roll into it a little more, the torque starts to build progressively through 100% pedal travel. I'd been waiting just like a few others to do a manifold swap, but now I'm not sure I need it. And this is from a guy who has owned 3 forced induction cars: Procharged Mustang GT, Saab Turbo, and Audi A4 2.0T (wife's current car, APR tuned). This car is just right for me now. Lightest of the e90's, 3 pedals, sport package, amazing seats, great steering wheel. The perfect daily driver, even up here in MA with winter tires + rear wheel drive. Sorry, I'm rambling, but the car is just so good right now! Oh, and my MPG display has been locked at 29.0 for the past 3 weeks. This is getting on it hard 2-3 times a day, 50/50 hwy/town driving.
JD – Boston, MA – 2008 Z4M
Me and Jared (JCz04Bimmer) bit the Bullet. We got the BrenTuning Z4M Performance Tune. Both of us are more than happy with the Results. It feels like a Completely Different car and MUCH more smoother than the stock settings.
The Tune gave the car +20rwhp
(297rwhp/239trq) Baseline
(317rwhp/249trq) After
Whats changed:
Modified Fuel tables
Modified Ignition timing
Modified VANOS changes
Modified Torque targeting
Warm up enrichment settings
Drive-by-wire settings, for sport and non-sport throttle modes
Rev limiter raised 150 rpms
Speed limiter removed
Torque limits raised
Thanks again Bren!
2002 BMW M3 – ChaseM3 – Boston, MA
"Just wanted to update everyone on my experience with the new software. Thanks again Bren for a very smooth and enjoyable experience. Its good to meet a fellow fanatic that knows what he is doing.
For everyone else, Brendan can not only produce the tune you want, but he can also explain to you exactly what he did from a technical standpoint. I have to admit, I had no idea what he was talking about half the time though (torque curves are way above my head ) but he was able to explain everything to me in layman's terms as well so i think I got it. I can't elaborate on whether other tuners really know what their software does as I havent dealt with any others, but I can speak to Bren's professionalism and knowledge.
Just a note - my car is a 2002 SMG with 76,000 miles, K&N 57 intake with streamline filter, Turner pulleys, Borla V2 mids, and a Zerotek/Ebay/Ling Lei muffler. All this was considered by Bren as the tune was being developed.
Now, onto my experience with the software. Remember that my review has not been validated by any numbers as I have not dynoed the car before or after the software. This is all based on my butt dyno.
First off, I have to agree 100% with Sunil's review - the increased intake growl, the low end power, etc. I might not have revved the car hard over the past few months, but as soon as I pulled out of Bren's driveway, I could feel a difference. The car just seems lighter off the line. Most visibly, the car revs with a lot more authority and it does so in a linear fashion throughout the whole rpm band. It doesnt seem like the car has those power dead spots any longer. My rev limiter was raised to about 8,100 but we got it up to about 7500 with no problems. I think the E46 M3 sees a lot of its power between say 3500 rpm and 6000 rpm before it starts to dive off. With the software, it seems the power is available from 1500 all the way up to the rev limiter. so, the biggest difference i have seen so far is below and above the stock power curve.
Another very welcome surprise was that my gear shifts are now smoother and seem to be a bit quicker than they were before. Remember Bren's software is not specifically designed for SMG. However, I know that SMG shifts are correlated to throttle which is why I may have seen an improvement. Maybe Bren can explain this better. This may only be in my head or may be temporary, but the banging I experienced during shifts under full throttle have now eased considerably. Off the line, the car is no longer as jumpy/notchy as it was before, which has improved driveability for me.
Overall, I am extremely happy with the tune and the improvements to date. I am hoping to back up my enthusiasm with a dyno over the next few weeks. In the meantime, there may be some additional performance gains as the new tune continues to adapt. This is something I am looking forward to. Again, I am sure Bren can add more color here. But I will be sure to post additional comments in another 500 or so miles. In the <100 miles I have driven so far, I am extremely pleased with the results.
To sum up, if you are looking for drastic improvements of power similar to that of a supercharger for next to no money.................................then this isnt the right mod for you. However, if you want a tune that will greatly improve the delivery and driveability of the car and maximize the effect of mods you may have, then this is a great solution and money well spent."
Shizzmack – Attleboro, MA – 2003 Mercedes SL55
I had Brendan tune my '03 SL55 about a month ago in addition to a pulley swap. All I can say is WOW! A night and day difference! Highly recommended if you're on the fence with deciding. He's also a great guy, has a passion for what he does.
Sjogs45 – Leicester, MA -2008 WRX Sedan
Just wanted to leave some appreciation for Bren. I stopped by Bren's place last weekend with my 08 OBP WRX. The rex is bone stock with a 2.5 inch lou's custom CBE. He hooked his laptop up and within an hour or so my whp went from 175 to 211 and my torque was up to 255. Much appreciation to Bren, this guy definitely knows what he's doing and I recommend him to anyone looking to get the best out of their Subie or whatever car they drive.
Jillwill7 - Nashua, NH - 2009 C63 AMG
Big thanks to Brendan for tuning my car! I had some phantom CELs in the past that no one else could figure out. He fixed the issue and gave me a great tune for a very reasonable price. This guy is a genius when it comes to these cars. At the same time, he was very patient and answered all my n00b questions. I would definitely recommend him to anyone.
Thanks again B
Iluminus – Lynn, MA - 2005 forester XT
I just wanted to stop in and give my kudos to Bren Tuning. I have an 04 Forester XT with a few easy mods (SPT intake, STi exhaust, STi TMIC) that was just begging for a light tune. long story short (its already too long, isn't it?), he tuned my very mild mannered FXT into this maniacal beast! The torque and horsepower gains were immediate and I'm infinitely happier with my car. He recommended a few things for me to get, like the Grimmspeed EBCS, so that I can break the 13psi barrier.
Needless to say, I'm going to set up another appointment with him very soon. My EBCS is waiting to be installed and I really can't wait to push the car up to 17psi. Once my warranty runs out, I'm going to slap a Blouch TD04+19T wheel into the car and see where it takes me. Yeah, I'm a noob. Whatever. I still love my car, am learning about it every day, and really, REALLY appreciate Bren's professionalism and expertise. I totally recommend his tuning services.
I8UR911 – Manchester, NH - 2011 WRX Stage 2
Finally writing a review for Bren. A big thanks to Bren for tuning the WRX. Went down on a Friday night and spent roughly 2-3 hours tuning. Bren dialed in the car and told me everything that was going on. Had no problems explaining everything and answering any questions regarding future mods. If you need a tune.....YOU NEED BREN!!!
Thanks for the help Bren!!!
Beematic - Boston, MA – E46 M3 SMG
I've been running headers, intake and exhaust for quite sometime now without tuning. My main concern was passing the inspection. So, ideally I never gave much thought into Bren's Tuning or any ECU/Chip. Until recently he told me his tuning clears the "Not Ready" status. I was jumping for joy with an opportunity to drive without being haggle by cops.
Finally, the tuning is set to go. I hop in to drive for some testing. Right off the bat, the car pulls so much more than normal. This is on non-sport mode, too. It suck that I'm not used to 8200 RPM yet because I'd bounce the rev limit a couple times. He said his tuning is most obvious in S6 mode(SMG). So we switch the DSC off click to S6 mode. I stomp onto the gas and shift. My car chirped 2nd. My car only chirp once in Houston because of the road. This was a FLAT nicely pave road.
As I was going home from Worcester, I decided to test it at the fast lane booth. 20mph @ 2nd gear…I stomp on the gas again, with the amazing acceleration I hit 3rd at 8k. I actually manage to chirp again from 2nd to 3rd on this warm day.
All in all, I was really happy with the tuning and the power of my car again. Now, I don't know if I want to supercharge it as the power is sufficient for me. I'd put about 200 miles so far and CEL has yet to come.
GWOOD – Brattleboro, VT - 2004 WRX STi
I have an 04 STi that had a few issues one of them being a CEL PO171 system too lean bank 1.
This morning i met for an appointment with Bren’s mechanic (Very friendly) and we got started right on time. As my install was nearing to an end Bren was already hooking up all of his equipment for the tune. Bren was kind enough to make a Leak Tester to find out where my leak was coming from, within 30 seconds the leak was found and corrected.
He then loaded the maps and we went for some road tuning but my car was still running on the lean side. Bren was able to listen to the car and run a few tests while driving the car to see how it was reacting to hard acceleration etc. and came up with a few possible problems/solutions.
Bren being the very resourceful person he is already had a MAF sensor handy and we switched it out with the one on my car and quickly noticed that the car was coming around. He then started going through his steps to get the car on track and running better. He by no means rushed my tune or anything, he took his time making everything perfect, more than perfect actually, My ecu #'s were way off the grid (thats a bad thing) but by the time Bren was done he had everything within specs/tolerances that put Cobb and the manufacturer to shame.
My car was throwing all kinds of problems at Bren but he was able to battle through them quite quickly which is possible when he is as experienced as he is working on Subarus. Bren is a very kind patient person who will explain to you step by step what he is doing to make you feel at ease.
In conclusion he took my car that was on the verge of blowing up and turned it around and made it into a ROCKET. A+++++
For the Price and the Service its a STEAL!!!
I recommend Bren to Everyone and Anyone i know.
FatMike – Boston, MA – 2006 Mercedes CL500
Review of my CL500:
Throttle response:
The response has noticeably increased. I really want to try a sprint booster to see if it makes a difference. But the MBZ have a tendency to lag in auto mode with the kickdown etc. This delay has definitely reduced at least a little bit.
Acceleration difference:
This is the best part. The car def. pulls harder now. The change in shift points is very noticeable.. My butt dyno approves. It is much easier to achieve wheel-spin now...Honestly before I had a little trouble breaking them loose. The amount of low end power has noticeably increased...and since I live in the city that's the best kinda power!
The speed limiter has also been removed...although I haven't had the chance to get up to those speeds
Working with Brendan: Very simple. Took my car to him…even though he was a little far. First he took my cars info, and then 2-3 days later I went back to have it reflashed. simple process. The best part is the ability to tune to your liking. I wasn't really sure what to say when he asked me what I wanted, but he talked me through it. For the price, this is the way to go for tunes (at least on a Mercedes). The prices out there for other tunes/chips are ridiculous (RENNtech etc.) Overall I am very happy with the tune, and if I do end up getting headers I will return to have it adjusted. I look forward to dyno-ing the car.
Thanks Bren!
